The Juliette Gordon Low commemorative medallion, part of the Extra Mile Points of Light Volunteer Pathway in Washington, D.C.

NEW YORK, N.Y. – A new national monument is being unveiled in Washington, D.C., this month, with Juliette Gordon Low being among the Americans whose life work it immortalizes in bronze and granite. The new Extra Mile Points of Light Volunteer Pathway tells the stories of great Americans who, through their caring and personal sacrifice, built their dreams into great movements that have created enduring change in America.

Juliette Gordon Low is one of only 20 honorees whose commemorative medallions will be unveiled in Washington on October 14. In a ceremony led by former President George Bush, political commentator Cokie Roberts, and District of Columbia Mayor Anthony Williams, Juliette Gordon Low will be recognized for the role she played in founding Girl Scouts of the USA and creating the world's largest organization dedicated to helping all girls everywhere build character and self-esteem and gain skills for success in the real world.

The Extra Mile is an initiative of the Points of Light Foundation. The monument required both Congressional and District of Columbia approvals and is made possible thanks to major support from the KPMG Foundation.

"We all have Juliette Gordon Low to thank for so much of the advancement that has been achieved by girls and women in the past century," said Kathy Cloninger, Chief Executive Officer, Girl Scouts of the USA. "Juliette's vision for girls has been realized in Girl Scouting, where millions of girls build confidence and character and constantly strive to make the world a better place."

Laurie Westley, left, senior vice president, Public Policy, Advocacy and the Research Institute, GSUSA, with Dick Platt, Juliette Gordon Low’s great nephew; Olivia Graham, of the GSUSA National Board of Directors; and Jill Ward, director of Public Policy, GSUSA.

The monument takes the form of a series of bronze markers laid into the sidewalks in an area just adjacent to the White House. The markers are circular, 3 1/2 feet in diameter, and laid into a surrounding six-foot square apron of granite. Each marker will bear the likeness of an honoree, a description of his or her achievement and a quote. Together, the markers form a one-mile walking path through an area bounded by Pennsylvania Avenue, 15th Street, G Street, and 11th Street N.W.

Because the monument uses well-trafficked sidewalks near the White House, it will attract substantial immediate attention. Based on current pedestrian traffic alone, the Extra Mile will have more than 1.7 million visitors per year.

"We are thrilled to see this monument become a reality and to recognize the contributions of such heroic Americans as Juliette Gordon Low," said Robert Goodwin, president and CEO of the Points of Light Foundation. "Juliette's legacy epitomizes the spirit of service in America and provides an inspiring example of how we all have the ability to go the extra mile for our fellow citizens."

Other Extra Mile honorees include Martin Luther King, Jr., Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Clara Barton, Cesar Chavez, and Frederick Douglass—as well as founders of organizations like Goodwill Industries, Volunteers of America and Rotary International. For more information on the monument, visit www.ExtraMile.us. For more background on the Points of Light Foundation, visit www.PointsofLight.org.

About Girl Scouts of the USA

Girl Scouts of the USA is the preeminent organization for and leading authority on girls with 3.7 million girl and adult members. Now in its 93rd year, Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. The organization strives to serve girls from every corner of the United States, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. For more information on how to join, volunteer, or donate to the Girl Scouts, call (800) GSUSA 4 U (800-478-7248) or visit www.girlscouts.org.